Remembering the Remarkable Life of Eileen “Red” Bond
Eileen Bond, the former wife of controversial West Australian businessman Alan Bond, has died aged 87. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully on Wednesday night in Perth after suffering heart complications.
Known affectionately as “Red” for her striking, flame-coloured hair, Eileen Bond lived a life full of colour, passion, and devotion to her family. The matriarch, socialite, and homemaker was a beloved figure in Australia’s business and social circles, navigating the highs and lows of one of the country’s most public marriages.
Alan and Eileen Bond excelled in both business and social spheres throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
A Romance That Shaped a Generation
Born Eileen Teresa Hughes in Fremantle, she was the daughter of a wealthy Irish Catholic family. Her father, William Hughes, worked as a wool buyer, played football for South Fremantle, and became Commissioner of the Fremantle Port Authority. At just 16, Eileen met Alan Bond at a local dance class, and their whirlwind romance quickly turned into a lifelong bond.
By the age of 17, Eileen married Alan Bond, who had converted from the Church of England to Catholicism to wed her. She later recalled, “My family insisted, but Alan didn’t mind; he was very happy to convert.” The young couple went on to have four children: John, Craig, Susanne and Jody.
Life in the Spotlight
As Alan Bond’s business empire grew, Eileen Bond became a household name alongside her husband. The couple soared to national fame when Alan’s Australia II yacht clinched the America’s Cup in 1983. The victory marked a moment of pride and celebration across Australia, with Eileen standing proudly by her husband’s side.
Socialites and media personalities from Perth to Sydney adored “Red” Bond for her vivacious energy, sense of humour and lavish lifestyle. “You have to have either self-control or moderation, and I certainly haven’t the latter,” she once said, perfectly capturing her spirited nature.
She never held back, whether it was decorating homes, hosting parties or enjoying travel. Her bold personality was her signature, and she often joked about her unpredictable eating habits: “I’ll eat and eat, then suddenly stop and have next to nothing for eight days in a row.”
The family of Eileen Bond confirmed her death on Wednesday night. [Credit: AAP/Richard Wainwright]
Heartbreak and Loyalty
Despite their immense public success, the Bonds’ marriage ended in 1992 after 37 years of marriage. Rumours of Alan Bond’s affair, which led to his marriage to Diana Bliss, devastated Eileen. Still, she maintained grace and continued to support her family.
Even after their divorce, Eileen and Alan stayed close. When Alan died in 2015 following heart surgery, Eileen flew back to Perth from London. “We’ve been in constant contact, but it’s a very sad time,” she told reporters at the time. Their son, John Bond, described the former couple as “great soulmates who never broke their connection.”
Her cousin, John Hughes, eulogised Eileen at Alan’s funeral by saying she had a “tiger by the tail” and described her as a “saint.”
A Witness to Australia’s Corporate Rise and Fall
Eileen Bond witnessed firsthand the meteoric rise and catastrophic fall of Alan Bond’s business career. Alan built Bond Corp from a signwriter to a tycoon, which held interests in brewing (Toohey’s), media (Channel Nine), and property. However, in 1992, his empire crumbled under a $1.8 billion debt, resulting in bankruptcy and a seven-year prison sentence.
Through it all, Eileen stood resilient. She carried herself with strength during the turbulent years and remained a private yet admired figure in Australia’s public life.
The image shows Alan and Eileen Bond at their daughter Jody’s wedding in 1993. [Source: Fairfax]
Legacy of Love and Loyalty
The tale of Eieen Bond is one of her fidelity to her family, her faith, and the man she wed when she was just a teenager. Alan Bond’s scandal made him infamous. But Eileen remained dignified and graceful despite that fact.
In her final years, she divided her time between Perth and Sydney. However, she never forgot to come back to the city where everything took the start. Her death on July 2, 2025, marks the end of an era for a generation that watched her evolve from a young bride to a beloved matriarch.
Australians are remembering Eileen Bond not just as the wife of a tycoon, but as an extraordinary woman who truly lived life on her own terms. She brought flair to every room she entered, stood by her loved ones through the highs and lows, and never lost her joy for life.
Things She Left Behind
Eileen Bond, the unforgettable “Red,” leaves behind a lasting impression on all who knew her or followed her journey. In a world that often demands moderation, she remained unapologetically herself, spirited, loyal, and unforgettable.
